December 2010 Scene

scene THE

Arts and entertainment for the Eastside December 2010

Your best holiday ever No stress dining Stocking-stuffer gadgets Yummy chocolate Ski-slope style

Inside scoop: dine | wine | art | fashion | cheap thrills

THE scene

2 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

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december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 3

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6 DINE | The dish on holiday entertaining 8 HOME | Holiday gift guide for the gadget lover 9-11 COVER STORY | Bellevue’s holiday guide 13 COMEDY | Uncut and unreal with Harland Williams 15 SCENE & HEARD | Top 5 things you must do this month 16 FASHION | Hitting the slopes in new retro style 17 CHEAP THRILLS | Yummy chocolate– just for you Cover photo of Snowflake Lane 2009 by Chad Coleman.

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scene

the editorial note

4 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

THE

The Scene is a publication of the Bellevue Reporter, 2700 Richards Road, Suite 201, Bellevue, WA 98005.

425-453-4270 www.thebellevuescene.com

Publisher Janet Taylor

D

ecember seems like the perfect time for reflection. While the mad rush of the holiday season whirls by, it’s more important than ever to take a step back and consider the past year while preparing for the next. For me, 2010 was a year of challenge and change.

A small team of us at the Bellevue Reporter launched The Scene, producing a monthly publication full of the best in arts and entertainment for the Eastside. We also moved full speed ahead into the world of social media and blogging.

Nine months later, we are still going strong.

Managing Editor Craig Groshart

As I prepare for the next change, departing the newspaper industry to pursue a career in fashion industry, I am confident The Scene will continue to grow and become the staple for all things Eastside.

Contributing Writers Gabrielle Nomura Rebecca Collins Designer Tek Chai Photographer Chad Coleman Account Executive Kali Stanger

When considering what I wanted to touch on for my last contribution to The Scene, I turned to the excitement of the holiday season. What better way to end a year then in celebration.

This is why for the December issue we decided to create a comprehensive holiday guide for Bellevue. Flip to the cover story to read all about the action that goes on behind the scenes of The Bellevue Collection’s Snowflake Lane, beginning Nov. 26.

If you were the lucky one chosen to host a holiday party, turn to the Dine section on page 6 for helpful entertaining tips from the chefs of Sizzleworks. You will also find a scrumptious holiday cookie recipe to try at home. If the holidays remind you of the tempting allure of chocolate, make sure to read up on Sweet Treats on the Cheap and indulge until your heart’s content.

No matter how you spend your holiday season, make sure you take the time to reflect on this year – and prepare for what 2011 has to bring.

Advisory Board Rose Dennis, Jon Greenbaum Allan Aquila, Mary Pat Byrne

Follow us on Twitter @bellevuescene

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THE scene

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the bite

6 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

The Dish on

Holiday Entertaining Chefs Carol Dearth and Kelley Edler know how to throw a party, from planning the menu, to picking a theme and timing the guests’ arrival.

Take pointers from the list of tips below and in no time you’ll be delivering a memorable evening just in time for the holidays.

Tips

Start Small:

The secret to giving successful parties is confidence and organization, both of which come from experience. The best way to learn is to start small. Invite a few close friends and host an informal dinner.

Mix it up: When deciding your guest list, remember that diversity in a group breeds good conversation. It’s always more interesting to meet someone new than to rehash old topics.

Set a date: For an informal dinner, invites should be sent out at least a week in advance. The larger the party, the more notice needed.

For a formal sit down dinner with an extensive guest list, make sure to send out invitations a month in advance.

Keep it simple: The menu may be influenced by the style of party or event, such as a birthday or

holiday party. Either way, keep in mind items that can be prepared in advance, maybe even frozen, and simply thawed and reheated the day of the party. If you are trying a new recipe, do a ‘dry run’ prior to the party.

Kelley Edler and Carol Dearth

Kelley’s Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Master the shopping list:

While it’s important to make sure you have all the ingredients for the items on your menu, don’t overlook the importance of having enough drinks, ice, condiments, napkins, flowers, candles, extra cups, flatware and linens.

Clean house: Don’t forget to clean the house well in advance.

Check the guest bathroom for sufficient hand towels, soap and other supplies. Designate an area for hanging coats, too.

Chad Coleman photo

Servings: 32

Ingredients Directions

2 egg whites 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

2/3 cup sugar 3 oz chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed with an electric mixer 1 minute or until soft peaks form.

Gradually add sugar to egg white mixture, beating 2 1/2 minutes or until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves.

Gently fold in chocolate morsels and optional nuts. *Optional: mini Enjoy the party: Get ready early. chocolate chips instead of the regular size toasted and chopped nuts Before your guests arrive, cook and about the same size as the chips heat foods as necessary. Arrange Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto 2 parchment paper-lined foods on the table if appropriate. cookie sheets.

When your guests arrive, greet them with a smile, relax and enjoy Bake at 300° for 40 minutes or until crisp. Cool on pan on a wire rack.

Repeat procedure with remaining batter, reusing parchment paper. their company.

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the nest

8 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

Holiday Gift Guide r e v o l et g d a g e h t r fo

GRID-IT!™ Cases $19.99 Ideal for the constant traveler, this portable organizer fits into a laptop bag, purse or travel case to keep electronics and personal items from getting lost. Features include a multitude of elastic straps to keep items - digital cameras, iPods, chargers, any number of other personal items - in place.

Mini dock amplifier, $19.99 Calling all iPod junkies.

This LEGO mini dock amplifier plugs directly into the base of the iPod® and projects clear, high-quality stereo sound.

With adjustable volume and compatibility with all iPods (except iPod shuffle), the mini dock aºmplifier is a supreme stocking stuffer.

SmartGrip® Pad, $9.99

iStand $4.99 each Want to keep your phone at your finger tips at all times? Grab a new iStand. Standard in five colors, it adheres with suction to the back of an iPod®, iPod touch, iPhone® or other smartphone so that you can stand your device in either landscape or portrait position. It’s made from rubberized silicone, so it stays in place on any surface.

Gadget-lovers will appreciate this smart gift.

Where to buy :

Store The Container ay NE, 700 Bellevue W v ue Suite 120, Belle 425.453.7120 store.com www.container

Tired of digging through your bottomless bag, searching for your lost keys or cell phone?

The SmartGrip Pad is a quick and simple way to get organized. Made from revolutionary material, the pad grips the surface it’s on and the items you place on it. Use one on a dashboard, the side of a computer monitor or refrigerator to securely hold a cell phone, keys, sunglasses or MP3 player.

Photos courtesy of The Container Store, www.containerstore.com

cover Hilltop Holiday Craft Show From Dec. 2-4, enjoy handcrafted items from over 80 of the Northwest’s best crafters and designers. Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food will be gladly accepted to benefit local food banks. Doors open at 10 a.m., at the Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St. in Bellevue. For more information, call 425.452.4106 or email NWAC@bellevuewa.gov.

The Magical Mrs. Claus The Bellevue Youth Theatre presents a new spin on an old classic with The Magical Mrs. Claus on Dec. 9-12.

Why are so many kids getting coal in their stockings this year? Why does Santa want a new suit? The kid-friendly production features great new songs and dances, adding sparkle to this fresh story filled with fun and magic. Tickets are $10 (reserved seating). The Belleve Youth Theatre is located at 16661 Northup Way. Learn more by visiting http://bellevuewa.gov/bellevue_ youth_theatre.htm or call the BYT Box Office at 425.452.7155.

Garden d’Lights Beginning Nov. 27, the annual holiday tradition, Garden d’ Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, will dazzle with more than half a million lights. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into this year’s show, transforming the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. Garden d’ Lights will run through Jan. 1, from 5-10 p.m., every evening including holidays. To monitor the attendance this year, a small admission fee will be required for the busiest nights along with an online reservation system during the five-week light show. The Bellevue Botanical Gardens are located at 12001 Main Street. Learn more by visiting www.bellevuebotanical.org.

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 9

Bellevue’s

Holiday Guide Holiday Food Drive

Now through Dec. 16, the Parks & Community Services Department of Bellevue is hosting the annual food drive event for distribution to Bellevue families and individuals in need through local food assistance programs. For more information, e-mail NWAC@bellevuewa.gov or call 425.452.4106. Nonperishable food can be donated at the following locations: City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE Crossroads Mini City Hall, 15600 NE Eighth St. Bellevue Aquatic Center, 601 143rd Ave. NE Bellevue Golf Course, 5450 140th Ave. NE Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St. Highland Community Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road Kelsey Creek Park, 410 130th Pl. SE N. Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. NE Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St. Parks Resource Management, 16023 NE Eighth St. Robinswood Tennis Center, 2400 151st Plasce SE South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way

Group Health Ice Arena

Presented by Bank of America, the open-air ice arena is open to the public now through Jan. 9. The covered arena features a large skating area, refreshments on-site and a tented viewing hut. Tickets are $10 and include skate rental. The ice rink is open daily except for a closure on Christmas Day. Located in Bellevue’s Downtown Park, one block south of Bellevue Square, at the cross streets of Northeast First Street and 102nd Avenue Northeast.

Learn more at www.magicseason.com or call 425.453.1223.

Enchanted Holidays The Bravern will come to life with the magic of the holidays this month with a nightly light show daily at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. in the Northeast Eighth Street Arrival Court. Cool Winter Nights happens every Thursday night, Dec. 2-30, at the covered and heated 110th fireplace to enjoy live music, drinks and bites. $5 entry benefits Childhaven. Must be 21 to enter. Other Enchanted Holiday events at The Bravern include Photos with Santa, Kettlecorn to support Childhaven, Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Clause and more. Visit www.thebravern.com/ holiday to get a complete schedule of events.

the

10 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

Drum roll please

S

ARTICLE BY LINDSAY LARIN | PHOTOS BY CHAD COLEMAN

even years ago, Kemper Freeman Jr., the man behind The Bellevue Collection, boarded a plane during the crisp winter months and took a trip to New York City.

Little did he know, the cross country trip would shape a new tradition for Bellevue and reintroduce the magic of the holiday season to his hometown.

During his trip, Freeman paid a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and was inspired by a holiday light and music display.

He wanted to bring a piece of that magic home to his community and create a small – Greg Thompson town feel in the big city.

Freeman reached out to Greg Thompson, president and founder of Greg Thompson Productions, the company responsible for more than 800 productions with a client list that includes Microsoft, Caesars, Tillicum Village, The Tokyo Hilton, HBO

“I thought, man, we could really take this to a whole new level.

Let’s not just have snowflake fixtures.

Let’s make it snow!”

and more. This was the man responsible for producing what the Guinness Book of World Records called “the World’s Largest Christmas Party” for the Boeing Aircraft Corporation in Seattle’s 65,000 seat Kingdome in 1980. The event consisted of two shows, back to back, with 130,000 in attendance and a cast of 1500 performers which has never been matched in the Northwest for size and grandeur.

“I’ve worked on shows all over the world, but hadn’t done anything in the Seattle area for some years, so when Kemper approached me with an idea of a

cover holiday production for Bellevue, I was excited to see what we could come up with,” he said.

Thompson jumped on a plane and flew to New York to see the Saks’ light show for himself.

“The way Kemper was going on about it, I was expecting this huge production,” said Thompson, who began producing shows back in 1974.

“Instead, it was a few snowflake light fixtures and holiday music playing over speakers. I thought, man, we could really take this to a whole new level. Let’s not just have snowflake fixtures. Let’s make it snow!”

With a grand vision in place, that is exactly what Thompson and Freeman went about doing. For the past five holiday seasons, downtown Bellevue has been transformed into a whimsical Christmas playland of high scale proportions.

“Our goal was to bring a small town Christmas feel to Bellevue,” Thomspon said, adding, “This was important to Kemper. He wanted to bring the magic of the holidays back to his community.”

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, powerful snow machines churn into action, dusting the sidewalks of Bellevue Way between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square with a soft snowfall. When the clock strikes 7 p.m., live holiday music fills the downtown core and a vibrant light show pulses to the beat of a modern remix of old classic tunes.

Live toy soldiers and winter characters bring the production to life as they interact with the crowd that gathers to experience the magic of Snowflake Lane.

This year, the production will be bigger and better than ever, according to Thompson. In addition to plush, oversized reindeer and snowman, Greg Thompson Productions has been hard at work custom designing original costumes for holiday mice, a snow king and snow queen.

The nightly production lasts roughly 15 minutes and is a free event, attracting anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 attendees each night. Instead of a single stage, Snowflake Lane was designed by Thompson to be an interactive experience with 50 mini stages for drummers and performers.

Roughly 150 high school and college-age students are selected for the role of Toy Soldiers and rehearse tirelessly leading up to the show. The vibe is almost electric with anticipation.

“I have new faith in the youth of America,” said Thompson. “These kids are so responsible and enthusiastic about being a part of this show. They are professional and take direction really well. I’m more impressed every year.”

A new change this year will shift the drummers attention away from the street and will have them facing the crowd to create even more interaction.

“Snowflake Lane is so much more than just a holiday show. It’s a personal

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 11 experience that comes to you. It’s not a slam bam show. Each drummer has its own audience and performs for small pockets of people so it becomes very up close and personal. It adds to the magic of the entire experience,” Thompson explained.

“The holidays can become a very busy, hectic and expensive time for families,” said Thompson. “It’s important to take a moment and celebrate the magic of the season.”

The day after Christmas, the snowflakes are replaced by bubbles and confetti as the excitement leading up to New Years Eve begins.

Celebration Lane is like a giant dance party on the streets, according to Thompsom.

With the new restaurant openings along Bellevue Way, Thompson said it’s a great way to spend a night out in December, taking advantage of a dinner and a show.

“I’ve been in the business a long time and I have yet to meet anyone who is more concerned about making sure his community has a good time then Kemper Freeman.

His mission was to create a memorable experience around the holidays that would bring the town together and would become a tradition for Bellevue. I think he succeeded and more.”

Snowflake Lane Premiered in 2005 Runs for 36 nights straight 2,000-10,000 people attend nightly

150 drummers participate each year 36 snow machines are used The show runs for 15 minutes

THE SCOOP: Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.: Santa Arrival Parade Snowflake Lane happens every night at 7 p.m., now through Dec. 24, along Bellevue Way and NE 8th St. Celebration Lane kicks off Dec. 26-31, also at 7 p.m.

www.bellevuecollection.com, 425.454.8096

THE scene

12 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

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laughs

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 13

Uncut and unreal with

HARLAND WILLIAMS

BY GABRIELLE NOMURA | COURTESY PHOTO

Canadian-born Harland Williams has appeared in dozens of movies, including “Half-Baked,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “RocketMan,” and “There’s Something About Mary.” Recently he chatted with The Scene about his favorite roles, best voice impresentions and his obsession with a giraffe-skin rug.

SCENE: Harland is kind of an unusual name, do you know why your parents chose it?

SCENE: Favorite movie you’ve done?

HW: Oh my gosh, that’s a killer question because I love them all. Probably “RocketMan” is one of my favorites because it was such a big production and they let me write a lot of it. It was really fun.

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SCENE: What is your guilty pleasure?

HW: My parents saw an old black-and-white movie when they were kids and one of the characters’ names was Harland, so I was destined to go into movies, I think.

HW: I guess I really like making love on a giraffe-skin rug. It’s pretty unreal.

Scene: Your Nov. 10 podcast on your website talks quite in-depth about kissing. Have you had a lot of practice?

SCENE: Do you know which character Harland was in that movie?

HW: Probably the stunning leading man.

HW: Hell yeah, after all, I do have a giraffe-skin rug.

SCENE: How would you describe your standup in one word?

Check out the entire interview with Harland Williams at www.thebellevuescene.com.

For more laughs visit harlandwilliams.com.

HW: Well, if I can steal from Dairy Queen for minute, I’d say it’s scrumpdillyishus.

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scene & heard

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 15

5 THINGS You Must Do This Month

1 2 3

Dec. 1: Holiday Cooking Get ready to start cooking. Holiday Boot Camp kicks off in December, with a weekly series of complimentary classes aimed to help people navigate the challenges of holiday entertaining.

Participants will learn from the culinary experts at Barking Frog, as they share tips for creating the perfect holiday cocktails, appetizers, wine pairings and desserts. The cooking series will take place the first three Wednesdays in December, from 5:306:30 p.m. Attendees will receive recipe cards and samples of the items made during each class. Learn more by visiting www.willowslodge.com.

Dec. 3: Celebration Home

Tour six unique Kirkland homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, benefiting Assistance League of the Eastside’s philanthropic programs.

The tour opens at 10 a.m., and runs until 7 p.m.

Celebration tickets are $30 and include an aftertour party and raffle drawing at Sur La Table in Kirkland. To purchase tickets, call 425.556.5106 or send email to info@assistanceleauge.org. Learn more at http://eastside.assistanceleague.org.

Dec. 4: Redmond Lights Throughout the winter season, Redmond celebrates the diverse traditions of the holidays with festivities, food, and entertainment from around the world. Enjoy fun activities, a festive tree lighting, musical entertainment, refreshments, and kids’º activities. Get the entire scoop including a Breakfast with Santa event happening on the same day at http://RedmondLights.com.

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Dec. 11: Nutcracker Open to all fashion-forward teens, the Bellevue Arts Museum Teen Arts Council presents a two-hour workshop exploring the world of fashion design.

The Teen Workshop: DIY Fashion will instruct teens on techniques for creating their own wearable art from a range of materials. The workshop is free and runs from 1-3 p.m. For more information, visit www.bellevuearts.org.

Dec. 21: Christmas Ship Create a new family tradition by attending the all ages event at Meydenbauer Beach Park (419 98th Ave. NE) on Dec. 21, welcoming the Seattle Civic Christmas Ship with a community gathering and beach fire.

The free event begins at 7:45 p.m. For more information, call 425.452.4106 or email NWAC@bellevuewa.gov.

16 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

D

Snow chic Hitting the slopes in new retro style

BY REBECCA COLLINS | UW NEWS LAB

Photo from Bogner Winter 2010 Collection

on’t be surprised this season to find bright colors dotting your favorite ski slopes. It seems the ’80s are back in style, but without the bad hair and makeup.

Popular colors this year include lime green, fluorescent yellow, marine blue and even magenta. It looks as though patterns have worked their way out of the mix, but plaids and color blocks are still in high demand.

Shelly Vincent, salesperson at Sturtevant’s in Bellevue, said many customers want more “technical” jackets and pants.

“Technical brands, like Arc’teryx, come at a higher price, but are also multipurpose and can be used for climbing, skiing, hiking and boarding,” she said.

Arc’teryx, as well as other high-end brands including Bogner, Kjus and Mammut, is focusing on the water- and wind-proof aspects of clothing to cater to a wider range of activities and uses.

Vincent noted that because of Washington’s inclement weather, most shoppers are drawn toward a technical jacket that serves multiple purposes.

“The first question people ask when they come in is, ‘What’s waterproof and has versatility?’”

Trent Kaivo, general manager of Seattle Ski & Snowboard, described the free-ride style of brands like Orage, Sessions and 686 which cater to those frequenting the terrain parks. Long jackets and loose pants cover the free-ride style, allowing for freedom of motion, trick articulation and comfort.

Although Seattle Ski & Snowboard points its business plan toward upper-class families of four, Kaivo also stocks plenty of affordable brands such as Burton and Dakine, which are popular with teens. The store has recently added The Northface to its repertoire because of the brand’s strong reputation in the Northwest.

Vincent said her dominant sales are in children’s clothing, which is only natural considering how much kids grow through their teenage years. Once people get older, those who buy new ski or boarding gear don’t buy because their clothing wears out — they buy because of fashion.

“The clothing buy is an emotional buy,” said Kaivo. “It’s cool to have the ‘it’ brand and something different than everyone else.” He equated hitting the slopes to walking into a party; you don’t want to see everyone around you wearing the same outfit, which is why he chooses to carry more obscure, higher-priced brands to accommodate those who like to stand out.

For instance, the Cappel clothing brand by Ride Snowboards created the slogan “Stand out style. Stand up Performance.” Bold color blocks of orange, purple and blue are frequent on its website. And to complete an ensemble, Ride also sells snowboard boots that go well with its apparel.

The 1980s may be gone – but their bold colors have returned to help skiers and boarders stand out on the slopes.

the look

cheap thrills

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 17

Sweet Treats on the cheap Fran’s Chocolates is made with pure flavors and simple ingredients including the slow-cooked caramel and handcrafted truffles. Some favorites include the Imperiale Truffles and the Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels. The 10-piece Solid Dark and Milk Pumpkins for $9 makes for a perfect holiday gift on the cheap. Fran’s Chocolate is located at 10036 Main Street in Bellevue, 425.453.1698, www. franschocolates.com.

Chocolate Delights  Oh! Chocolate

The tradition of three generations of family continues in Bellevue with Oh! Chocolate at Bellevue Square.

Known for signature recipes and perfected techniques, the holiday season brings limited edition sweets including sugar plums, gingerbread men and peppermint shortbread, ranging in price from $4.95 to $22. The seasonal offerings are available through Jan. 31. Oh! Chocolate is located at 149 Bellevue Square, 425.451.1060, www.ohchocolate.com.

one-piece box of chocolate for around $2. Amore Chocolates On Main is located at 10149 Main Street in Bellevue, 425.453.4553, amorechocolatesonmain.com.

 Godiva Chocolatier

Known for its signature gold packaging, Godiva Chocolatier has an seemingly endless supply of individual chocolates, truffles and new seasonal creations available for purchase by the pound. For great stocking stuffers, look no further then the 4-piece Gold Flavor with Red Ribbon package for $7.50 or the Caramel Apple Gems Gift Bag for $10. Godiva Chocolatier is located at 147 Bellevue Square, 425.646.8837, www.godiva.com.

 Amore Chocolates On Main

Decadent chocolate made fresh daily at this small Bellevue shop has become a trademark of Old Main. With more than 50 different flavors to chose from, Amore offers truffles, caramels, butter creams and specialties, such as key lime coconut joys, mozarts and Scotch kisses. Swing by for a sample of a

 Fran’s Chocolates

For chocolate lovers, this is the shop to explore and indulge. Created by master chocolatier Fran Bigelow,

 Chocolopolis

Downtown Bellevue Where to go • What to do • What to see • Where to be

A

s one online critic wrote, “put your money where the meat is and find bliss at this sumptuously wood-paneled Bellevue Square steak house. Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves corn fed aged U.S. Prime beef broiled at 1800 degrees to lock in the flavorful juices and served sizzling.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened up in Bellevue Square in 2002, and quickly developed a loyal following and the best value oriented Happy Hour in town, which is going strong to this day.

Please join us for dinner on Christmas Day! We’ll be open to serve you from noon to 8:00pm.

 Top Pot Doughnuts

Hand-forged gourmet doughnuts and fresh roasted coffee makes Top Pot a destination for fulfilling any sweet tooth. Popular picks include the Feather Boa, the Specialty Cake and the Chocolate Old Fashioned, ranging in price from $.99 to $2.49 each. Top Pot Doughnuts is located at 10600 NE Ninth Place in Bellevue, 425.457.7440, www.toppotdoughnuts.com.

Happy Holidays, Darrell Maxwell, General Manager 425-451-1550 • ruthschris.com 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue facebook.com/RuthsChrisSteakHouseBellevue

Candy Cane Lane

soup/salad, entrée, cheesecake dessert w/ chocolate bark

 See’s Candy

431492

800 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 42 5.283.0461 ArtInBellevue.com

431493

Ray Pelley Thru Dec. 5th

We are open on CHRISTMAS DAY

The newest chocolate shop to arrive in Bellevue, Chocolopolis brings artisan flavors from around the world including 200 bars of chocolate from more than 20 countries. Free tastings are offered during the shop’s chocolate happy hours, featuring rotating samples from an array of cacao origins and chocolate makers. To learn more about the seasonal store, visit Chocoloplis at The Shops at The Bravern, adjacent to Wild Ginger, www.thebravern.com.

Dine on Doughnuts

Art in Bellevue

$39.95 THREE COURSE MEAL

565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 425-451-1550 • ruthschris.com

There is something about cold winter months and the holiday season that pairs so perfectly with dark chocolate decadents and sugary bites. Lucky for us, Bellevue is a treasure trove of sinful nibbles- from Artisan chocolate to hand-forged doughnuts. Enjoy!

Holiday Group Exhibit

Beyond chocolate inspirations, See’s Candy in Bellevue offers a variety of holiday treats on the cheap including Snowman Puppet with Peppermint Canes, Hanukkah Peanut Brittle, Sour Stars, and Cinnamon Lollypops. Prices range from $5 to around $20, depending on the gift package. See’s Candies is located at 10212 NE Eighth St. in Bellevue,

THE scene

18 | thebellevuescene.com | december 2010

And everything in between.

Discover all that makes your holidays twinkle right here at Crossroads.

Free holiday entertainment Photos with Santa Gift wrapping services that benefit local charities 156th ave ne

433678

NE 8th

ave

crossroadsbellevue.com

THE scene

Available in Bridle Trails

december 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 19

Parkshire Gated Estate $2,395,000

4+ bedrooms | 4 bathrooms 7,080 SqFt | 1.45 Acre Lot Guest house with huge bonus Luxury master with sitting room Elaborate professional landscaping www.bethbillington.com/123733

4 bedroom suites | 4.5 bathrooms 5,060 SqFt | Shy Acre Lot Masterful chef’s kitchen Generous bonus room Detached guest suite www.bethbillington.com/145295

Stately Traditional $1,800,000

Pike’s Peak Gated Estate $1,150,000

4 bedroom suites | 4.5 bathrooms 5,710 SqFt | 1.14 Acre Lot High quality construction Main floor master suite and den Private setting with sport court www.bethbillington.com/29105525

4 bedroom suites | 3.75 bathrooms 4,440 SqFt | 1 Acre Lot Vaulted master with marble bathroom Expansive lower level rec room Gorgeous parklike setting www.bethbillington.com/144744

North Creek Updated 2-Story $934,990

Bridlewood Circle $975,000

4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms 3,860 SqFt | ¾ Acre Lot Stunning slab granite kitchen Media room and bonus room Spacious yard with sport court www.bethbillington.com/144224

Sablewood Traditional Charm $748,000 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms 4,689 SqFt | .37 Acre Lot Main floor den Newly finished basement Level yard and entertainment deck www.bethbillington.com/142120

www.bethbillington.com 431495

Belleaire Custom Craftsman $1,965,000

www.bridletrailstoday.com

5 bedrooms | 3.25 bathrooms 4,640 SqFt | 1 Acre Lot Ideal equestrian estate Garden level guest suite 3-stall barn and level riding arena www.bethbillington.com/116779

BridleTrails is the only neighborhood close-in that offers a 481 acre state park as well as homes on ¾ acre plus lots. This tranquil neighborhood is conveniently located just minutes to Microsoft, downtown Bellevue, downtown Kirkland, SR-520 and I-405. The park can be enjoyed by equestrians and pedestrians alike, with show arenas and 28 miles of trails. Bridle Trails offers a rural atmosphere with many homes bordering the park for added privacy.

This thriving neighborhood is the last of its kind in Bellevue and Kirkland offering a superb equestrian community.

Coldwell Banker Bain Int’l Presidents Premier Top 1%, CRS, GRI 425-450-5208

beth@bethbillington.com

Where It Snows Every Night at The Bellevue Collection!

Experience the wonder of our magical evening performance.

It’s a holiday spectacle of toy soldier drummers, costume characters, exhilarating music, swirling snowflakes and glittering lights.

SCHEDULE: Snowflake Lane: Nov. 26 – Dec. 24 Celebration Lane: Dec. 26 – Dec. 31 Shows perform nightly at 7 p.m.

Learn more at www.bellevuecollection.com